Spring has sprung and many of us are feeling that spring wind and pollen.

Spring is a beautiful season but also the allergy season. Asthma, Hayfever and Sinus have been running rampant over the past few weeks. Having suffered hayfever and sinus severely when I was young, I know how debilitating it can be, though thankfully I found Ear Candling 20 years ago and I haven't endured either allergy since.

Along with having an Ear Candling session here are my best remedies for allergies such as Hayfever (allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinus, sinusitis and hives)

Vitamin C: An effective natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory, and it also supports healthy immune function and protects from secondary respiratory conditions.Good sources are kiwi fruit, oranges and other citrus fruits, strawberries, red capsicums, broccoli, papaya, guava and mango. You may choose to take a Vitamin C supplement.

Local Honey: Locally made honey acts as a natural immunotherapy, giving your immune system a daily dose of the allergen and a chance to get used to it.

Onion, Apples, Kale, Capers & Broccoli: There are many foods which contain the natural antihistamine, quercetin. Onions and Apples are among the most common and help ease the symptoms of an allergic reaction

Horseradish:Acts as a decongestant, helping to clear the nasal passages.

Avoid diary: Limit or avoid cow’s milk and other dairy products as they can increase the production of mucus in the respiratory tract and exacerbate nasal congestion. Try alternatives such as rice, almond, quinoa and coconut milks.

Are you finding it hard to get out of bed this winter, are you suffering from colds, flus or just feeling a bit sluggish or tired. This quick, simple technique will improve your wellbeing on so many levels! Do it daily and kick start your day.

The ancient spice Turmeric (Cucuma Longa) is the 'in thing' at the moment for all of it's positive healing powers. I remember when I studied Naturopathy we were told it was one of the most powerful foods you could eat and we used to trial all sorts of recipes. It is grown in the Sub Continent and Asia. Turmeric is an awesome anti inflammatory and since many people have some sort of inflammation in their body at some time it's a great ingredient to add regularly to your food or drinks. It's a natural antiseptic, anti bacterial, detoxifier, pain killer, improves metabolism, assists in wound healing and is used in treatment for many types of cancer. The list is endless.

Here is a Spring Smoothie Sensation

Ingredients

1 cup of coconut milk (or almond,rice,oat)

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

1 fresh banana

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tbs chia seeds

Mix and enjoy!

Here is a yummy warm Turmeric drink you may like to make.

Immune Boost Elixir

Ingredients

1 cup of Organic Almond, Rice, Oat or Cows Milk

1 Teaspoon Raw Organic Coconut Oil

1/4 Teaspoon Turmeric Paste

Local Organic Honey or Rice Syrup to taste

Pinch of Cinnamon

Pinch of Nutmeg

Method

Combine all ingredients into a small saucepan or Thermomix (except honey)

Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly. The drink should be warm but not too hot.

It’s Spring and members of the local community are looking for new ways to connect and meet people, whether you have your own local business or want some exercise Revitalize Lifestyle think it is a great idea to get people together and exercise while they chat, network and meet new people. It’s time to make the most of the fresh air and join other locals for a free motivational walk, networking and socialising with like minded people.

Jo Surkitt from Revitalize Lifestyle has heard from many clients and friends that people have had enough of awkwardly trading business cards, chasing an elusive ideas around a stuffy boardroom or stagnating alone their your desk when people work for themselves or in small business? So she thought it was time to try a new approach which included bringing the community together through the outdoors and movement. These NetWalks are the perfect opportunity to get out of the office for an hour and explore some of the most beautiful spots our region has to offer. It’s free to join and open to everyone in local business or anyone wanting to meet new friends. ‘These motivational jaunts are designed to help you meet new people, exchange ideas and get active. Ideal for busy parents and executive multitaskers alike, they are a great place to make friends and connect with like minded people.’ Jo explains. Jo believes the Surf Coast is a welcoming community and NetWalks are the perfect spot to bounce around new ideas, forge lasting business relationships and gain new perspectives. And they always finish with a well-earned cuppa, giving you plenty of time to develop those winning ideas, trade stories and catch up with new friends. So next Thursday 10th September at 9.30am, ditch your stuffy desk and overflowing in-tray and join us; it’s time to make the most of our beautiful hometown and NetWalk. WHEN: 9.30am 2nd Thursday a month WHERE: Torquay: head to website to see locations details as we will be find a new exciting location each time click here for info

ALLERGIES SEASON: Most of us love the arrival of Spring Time after a long winter. Pretty flowers blossoming, green grass everywhere after the winters rain and birds chirping reminding us that the warmer weather is coming. However, it can be a difficult time of year for those that suffer allergies like hayfever, sinus and asthma. There are some easy and extremely effective ways to reduce symptoms of these allergies. Here at Revitalize Lifestyle we have great results with Ear Candling and Reflexology, not only do clients have an instant relief their symptoms are often dramatically reduced or alleviated. So those that already experience those sneezes, blocked heads, runny noses and congestion give us a call. Other awesome ways to assist in reducing allergy symptoms include Salt Therapy and Accupunture and of course increasing your Vitamin C intake through foods like kiwi and citrus, increase foods that have an anti inflammatory response like turmeric and pineapple and increase your intake of garlic, onions and horseradish as they have an antibiotic and decongestant effect. And importantly you may want to reduce your dairy intake which increase mucous formation in the lungs and exacerbates nasal congestion. For more info on Reflexology and Ear Candling http://www.revitalizelifestyle.com/pages/revitalize-clinic